Last of Naperville smart meter criminal cases expected to end

The final case against one of two Naperville women who stood in the way of crews attempting to install wireless, electronic smart meters on their homes is likely to come to an end Tuesday.

Malia "Kim" Bendis, 41, of the 2200 block of Mercer Court, faces misdemeanor charges of attempted eavesdropping and resisting a peace officer. Police say she filmed the January 2013 arrest of another Naperville woman who refused to let workers install a smart meter on her home and resisting her own arrest.

Bendis is expected in court at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, where a plea agreement is likely to be reached.

Ordinance violation charges were dismissed against the other woman, Jennifer Stahl, of the 1400 block of Westglen Drive, in mid-February.

City officials agreed not to prosecute Stahl for interfering with a police officer and preventing crews from accessing her home.

As part of the deal, Stahl admitted guilt to the violations, agreed to perform more than 40 hours of community service for a not-for-profit group and agreed not to violate any federal, state or local laws.

Both women are members of the group that filed a federal lawsuit against the city regarding their beliefs that the wireless meters will affect their health, security and privacy. Several members and supporters of the group flooded a Feb, 5, 2013, city council meeting calling for the charges against both women to be dropped and for the resignation of the city manager and police chief.

The city has since installed smart meters on more than 57,000 homes. Officials have maintained the project will make the city's electric system more reliable and cost-efficient.

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